PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today said he abides by Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's position that zakat (Islamic tithe) should only be for Muslims.
Anwar added that his suggestion that zakat is also used to help poor non-Muslims was a personal view as he believed it would help show justice and compassion in Islam.
"It was my view that the matter should be studied by the mufti and religious council for a decision.
"If they disagree, it's okay. But I organised fresh dialogue on the matter as there are differing views.
"But as Selangor has made a decision, we abide by it as it is within the jurisdiction of the religious council and sultan," Anwar told journalists at the Parliament lobby today.
He was asked to respond to a statement, issued through the sultan's private secretary, Mohamad Munir Bani, that the ruler, after receiving advice from the state mufti, was of the position that zakat cannot be used for non-Muslims.
The statement did not name Anwar but referred to "a politician".
Anwar, at a seminar in Shah Alam last week, had suggested reforms to the zakat system to take into account a multi-racial country.
He had said while zakat should prioritise Muslims, it can also be used to aid non-Muslims. - Mkini
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